Oregon Public Broadcasting

A Marion County Judge says he was not under pressure to resign. Lynn Ashcroft made an announcement few expected Tuesday, saying he’d step down from the bench immediately.

The Oregon Justice Department had been looking into claims  of official misconduct, related to Ashcroft’s handling of a defendant named Heather Marks.

The Statesman Journal reported Marks was denied court-appointed counsel.

Ashcroft declined to discuss details of the matter. But he points out that with his resignation, the DOJ considers the matter resolved.

Ashcroft says he enjoyed judicial work, but left willingly, and is happy to spend time in his Salem custom motorcycle shop.

Lynn Ashcroft   “It was a decision just in my own personal interests. I’ve got a lot going on in my life. I build these motorcycles. We’re looking at expanding that and didn’t need the hassle any more. Like I say, it was just a personal decision on my  own.”

The agreement called for Ashcroft to allow searches on four computers and one cell phone, seized during the investigation. He says he has nothing to hide.

A spokesman for the state Justice Department declined to comment on the case.